The United States Department of State has authorised the departure of non-essential personnel and family members of its staff from its embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions in Nigeria.
The decision, announced on Wednesday through an updated travel advisory, comes amid growing concerns over terrorism, crime, and kidnapping in several parts of the country.
As part of the revised advisory, states including Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba were newly added to the “Do not travel” list due to escalating threats.
The update follows a series of violent incidents across Nigeria. On March 29, gunmen attacked the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, killing over 20 people and injuring many others during the Palm Sunday celebration.
In another incident on Tuesday, armed attackers reportedly killed at least 20 people in parts of Niger State, while similar violence was recorded in Kebbi State.
The advisory also maintains restrictions on several other states already classified as high-risk, including Borno, Kogi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Rivers, and others affected by persistent insecurity.
This move aligns with earlier warnings by the United Kingdom Foreign Office, which in November advised its citizens against non-essential travel to multiple Nigerian states.
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Recent global assessments have further highlighted Nigeria’s security challenges. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2026 report, the country ranked as the fourth most unsafe globally, recording a significant rise in fatalities from terrorist attacks.
The report attributed the majority of these deaths—over 80 percent—to extremist groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram.
In light of the escalating violence, some religious leaders have urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity across affected regions.